Another round in beer sales debate

Another beer bill is headed to the floor of the legislature, this time one that will allow convenience stores – but not groceries and big box retailers – to sell full-strength beer.

The Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee today approved the legislation, Senate Bill 194, on a 4-2 vote, sending it to the floor of the Senate. The first version of the bill, which is being sponsored by Sen. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood, showed a cost to the state of $10,000 for an appropriation to the state’s Liquor Enforcement Division.

But a reworked version of the bill took out that cost, meaning it could bypass another Senate committee and go straight to the Senate floor, the first time such a bill has reached the chamber. Similar bills have died in committee year after year.

A bill being sponsored by Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, would allow convenience stores and grocery stores to sell full-strength beer. Under decades old law, they can now only sell low-alcohol beer, 3.2 percent alcohol by weight or 4 percent by volume.

Only liquor stores and bars can sell full-strength beer, though many have been illegally selling low-strength beer, usually light beers but also some Irish stouts, for years. Grocery stores and big box retailers are allowed to have one store in the state where they can sell full-strength beer and liquor.

Liston’s bill cleared a House committee last week and made it to the House floor, a first for that chamber as well. But he admits he’s struggling to find the needed 33 votes to pass the bill.

Boyd’s bill also specifies that restaurants and liquor stores could sell low-strength beer, and it would require 21-year-olds at convenience stores to supervise the sale of beer.

Her bill originally would have allowed small liquor stores to operate multiple locations, but she removed that language in committee, saying liquor stores said they didn’t want it.

Boyd also added language to the bill prohibiting the sale of high-energy alcohol drinks in Colorado, addressing a criticism from liquor stores that underage drinkers would have easy access to the product if it were sold in convenience stores.

Arguments at today’s hearing on Boyd’s bill traversed familiar ground, with liquor stores saying thousands of jobs would be lost if convenience stores were able to sell full-strength beer and micro-brewers arguing corporate chains would not carry their products.

Meanwhile, convenience stores complained that they had lost sales to liquor stores when the state allowed Sunday liquor store sales several years ago. Convenience store owners also said they carry micro-brews in other states where they can sell full-strength beer.

Ok, would someone with more energy and political know-how than me get a petition going so we can put this on the ballot and let we, the voters, finally put this issue to bed?

Cupon

Ok, would someone with more energy and political know-how than me get a petition going so we can put this on the ballot and let we, the voters, finally put this issue to bed?

Jerryd2

this is a no brainier. You should be able to sell beer any where. The beer in CA is 3.2 so who cares. A little of course but I’m going down town (4/6) to talk about a ballot initiative to make only in state money be used for elections.

easytime

This will not pass. After being cynic for many years why would they pass a simple law? Lets see first maybe a few government workers will not be need. If kick issue down road again it is great for your reelection campaign. For you will get funds from one or another lobby group. And of course who cares what the voters care about if you have the money to plaster ads all over news and TV. I will be shocked if this passes. Yes lets get on ballot and vote on issue.

easytime

This will not pass. After being cynic for many years why would they pass a simple law? Lets see first maybe a few government workers will not be need. If kick issue down road again it is great for your reelection campaign. For you will get funds from one or another lobby group. And of course who cares what the voters care about if you have the money to plaster ads all over news and TV. I will be shocked if this passes. Yes lets get on ballot and vote on issue.

Nbtracy812

Solving this problem is easy. Go back to having liquor stores closed on Sundays so these whiny convenience stores can sell their 3.2 watered down beer and mom and pop liquor stores don’t have to worry about the cost of labor on Sundays and can have a guaranteed day-off.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.